For soccer players, starting a business in the fashion industry can be more than just a backup plan – as is evident from the elegant, tailored looks and custom styles of players such as Cristiano Ronaldo, Kylian Mbappé or Gregory van der Wiel, not to mention how Héctor Bellerín’s ability to elevate streetwear to a whole new level of distinction has turned him into a venerable style icon.
It’s clear that fashion and soccer are becoming intertwined. If you play at any casino online, you’ve probably seen many of these stars who make waves on the catwalk also popping up on soccer betting and online gambling sites. You may appreciate their performance on the pitch, but what about their taste in fashion? Here is a short list of some of the best soccer players in the world who’ve successfully created their own brands.
Cristiano Ronaldo – CR7
This legendary soccer player came from humble beginnings and went on to change the world of soccer forever. To give a brief overview of Ronaldo’s extensive soccer career would be nearly impossible, but here are a few key moments. The Portuguese player has won the Ballon d’Or five times; the Footballer of the Year award 10 times; the Player of the Year six times; and the Top Scorer award a staggering 19 times. He’s the only player in history to have scored 60 or more goals in one calendar year four times – from 2011 through 2014. He’s also one of many soccer players who have contributed large amounts of money to charity. Really, what we should be asking is what can’t Ronaldo do? Clearly, establishing a lucrative fashion brand is not the answer!
Ronaldo launched his brand, CR7, in his hometown of Funchal on the island of Madeira in 2006. In 2016, he released a successful underwear collection and today creates luxurious eyewear, fragrances, denim, footwear and kidswear for boys. The brand is worth more than $90 million and earns him more money than the pitch – and when you’re as successful on the pitch as Cristiano Ronaldo, that’s not a snide comment!
Christian Fuchs – No Fuchs Given
Major League Soccer player Christian Fuchs helped lead Leicester City to the English Championship in 2016 and the English FA Cup in 2021. Notably, his contribution to the team was more than his performance in matches. Fuchs knew the importance of fan engagement and his videos with the team captivated Leicester fans as he treated them to consistent communication and online content.
In 2016, Fuchs leveraged his popularity and likability by starting his own clothing line, No Fuchs Given. You can find the brand’s distinctive skull logo on casual tops, hoodies and trousers. The brand has also expanded and diversified to include a line of distilled spirits such as vodka, dry gin and Caribbean rum.
Rio Ferdinand – FIVE
Center-back Rio Ferdinand had a very successful career playing (mostly) for Manchester United. The 43-year-old helped the team secure four English Super Cup wins, three English League Cup wins, six English Champion victories as well as a Champions League and FIFA Club World Cup win. During his active years, you’d have no doubt seen him featured in countless online sports betting updates about soccer fixtures. But what made him enter the world of fashion?
The biggest influence on Ferdinand’s interest in fashion has been his father, Julian, who was a successful tailor. The number that Ferdinand proudly wore during his 12 years with Manchester United has been turned into a fashion brand called FIVE. The brand was founded in collaboration with fashion designer Ian O’Connor and specializes in headwear. Additionally, FIVE boxer shorts and t-shirts are now available.
Mesut Özil – M10 Streetwear
Süper Lig soccer player Mesut Özil has succeeded on the pitch as an attacking midfielder for teams such as Arsenal and Real Madrid. He played with Arsenal during their four English FA Cup wins, the most recent one in 2020, as well as their two English Super Cup victories. But you might know the 33-year-old soccer star best for his Player of the Year award at the 2014 FIFA World Cup, when his team, Germany, took the trophy home. And just when you think he’s peaked, the incredibly athletic Özil defies soccer odds by continuing to raise the bar.
Despite still being active on the field with Süper Lig team Fenerbahçe, Özil now dedicates much of his time to his clothing brand, M10 Streetwear, which launched in November 2020. The collection features casual and comfortable everyday streetwear. Think high-quality tracksuits, t-shirts, hoodies, sweatshirts and headwear with distinct colors and the signature M10 moniker. The line reflects the brand’s values of multiculturalism and inclusivity, which are a big part of Özil’s personal brand and philosophy of life.
Megan Rapinoe – re—inc
You didn’t think we’d left out the women’s league, now, did you? American soccer champion and activist Megan Rapinoe. Rapinoe’s extensive achievements on the pitch include winning two World Cup titles and an Olympic gold medal. Back in 2019, she took the Golden Boot for scoring the most goals at the World Cup and topped it off with a Golden Ball award for being the tournament’s top player. That same season, Rapinoe was named FIFA’s Women’s World Player of the Year.
Meanwhile, off the pitch, Rapinoe towers above the rest with her signature pink or purple hair, as well as her unique personal style. Her success in the fashion industry has come as no surprise, not only through her collaboration with Nike – for Nike x Megan – but also with her own clothing brand, re—inc. The unisex clothing brand was created with fellow champions Tobin Heath, Meghan Klingenberg and Christen Press. Today, re—inc offers eco-conscious fashion and creative lifestyle products, all of which are proudly designed for every gender identity and body type, with a focus on reimagining modern fashion.
Adebayo Akinfenwa – Beast Mode On
Our final entry on this list is Adebayo Akinfenwa. He may have retired from professional soccer, but there can be no doubt that he made an impression during his career. It may not have been for his ability to score goals or Premier League presence, but this instantly recognizable and well-liked player has grown a fanbase in part due to the fact that he’s built unlike any other soccer player on the field.
This led to him launching his own fashion brand “Beast Mode On”, which caters to larger athletes, as well as larger-than-life people who are driven to succeed.
Just a small taste of some of the hottest fashion created by soccer players
So that’s that. The tables have officially turned – it’s no longer left to pop stars and actors to define the next fashion trends; now it’s (also) soccer stars! Are any of the prominent players in your soccer betting odds emerging or established fashion icons?
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